So I fly to Texas from Michigan to inspect the car I have deposit on with the intention of driving it back. I get here and the car has a problem with the air suspension. It's not working and they tell me it's a battery problem from sitting and not being driven. They say this is a common problem with Mercedes air suspension when the car sits. My question is, is this a common problem? They say they will get it working but even if they do I'm concerned that this will be an ongoing problem?
Thanks in advance.

 

The CL is an ABC system and not air. You might have the wrong forum. The CLS is air-matic; maybe that's the model you're talking about?

R.K.

 

Yes sir you are correct, it is a CLS. In my frustration I didn't realize I posted in the wrong forum. Thanks for your input.

 

What does "not working" mean? Had the suspension collapsed at the front, back, or both? Does it rise back up to normal height when you open a door or start the engine?

They all leak down eventually, it's just a matter of how long it takes. A day is unacceptable, a week is so-so, a month - who cares.

If the car does not level out within a few seconds after starting the engine, then it needs to be repaired. Likely a strut has failed, and/or the compressor.

 

Down in the front and the rear and nothing happens when the car is running. The odometer reads the same it did when I first started looking at it 2 months ago.

 

Sounds broken. With all four corners down, the compressor must not be running. Could be something as simple as a fuse. On the other hand, leaking air struts that overwork the compressor have been cited as the most common cause of failure.

Sounds like you're in a pickle. Obviously you can't drive it home, can't even test drive it in that condition. Can they get it fixed before you need to head home? If not, walk away. Or are they willing to sell it to you cheap enough to take the risk? Off the cuff, it would need to be more than $5K below market to take the risk...

 

Where in Texas is the car located? The failure of the air shocks is very common and can be costly to repair. Either have them repair it or have them reduce the price of the car to where you think it's acceptable. Did you notice anything unusual about the car, if so I would be weary about purchasing it.

 

If its the airmatic shock, it will cost $1200 per side. Go with arnott to replace the fronts.